PEDIATRICS Vol. 31 No. 3 March 1963, pp. 509-511
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE: B. THE PEDIATRICIAN AS A FAMILY MEDICAL ADVISOR

Clarence H. Webb

THE PREVIOUS Message (Pediatrics, January, 1963) presented the role of the pediatrician as a clinical specialist; the other side of this professional coin is his role as family counsellor. For the child is not complete without his family, and the family—man's oldest institution—is unfulfilled without the child.

The background of this series was outlined in the first article as the concept of the author, enhanced by the shared thoughts and experiences of 20 pediatricians of his approximate vintage who practice in various parts of this country and in cities and towns of diverse size.

Some questions which have been posed or may arise should be answered. First, this series is a positive approach, and no attempt shall be made to catalog the disadvantages or occupational discomforts; they have been discussed by others. The challenge of pediatrics and the love of children make possible a full, satisfying life for the every-growing number of pediatricians.

Secondly, the emphasis herein on pediatric practice rather than total pediatrics reflects no lack of respect or affection for pediatric teachers, researchers, and other kinds of pediatricians. I have known many and worked with a number; they are imbued with the same ideals and purposes about which I write. A great strength of pediatrics and of the American Academy of Pediatrics is the cohesive force of service to children, which enables academicians and practitioners to work together exceptionally well. But I would feel awkward in attempting to describe those pediatric fields which are outside of my major experience; I must write of those things which I have known.